General Description
The gene INCENP (inner centromere protein) encodes an inner centromere protein that forms a component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). It is found to be localized to inner centromeres during mitosis. The CPC also contains Aurora B, survivin, and Borealin.
Biochem/physiol Actions
The inner centromere protein encoded by the INCENP gene is phosphorylated by Cdk1 (cyclin dependent kinase 1) in mitosis. It is found to be associated with Plk1 (Polo-like kinase) in a polo-box–dependent manner. Plk1 is a serine/threonine kinase that functions in cell cycle, especially in mitosis. INCEP participates in the localization of Bub1 (Budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1), a serine/threonine kinase involved in spindle checkpoint, to kinetochore. This, in turn, promotes the recruitment of Plk1 to kinetochores. Phosphorylated INCENP stimulates the activity of Aurora B kinase at centromeres and the central spindle that is important for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, respectively.
